The Cycle of the Zodiac

Though it has no real beginning or end, the wheel of the zodiac is generally understood to begin with Aries. First there was nothing, then there was light. So begins the creation myth of most cultures and the same is true of the zodiac. Aries is the burst of new life.

Prior to Aries is the nebulous sign of Pisces - two fish, bound in unison, swimming in the depths. In Pisces everything is one, nothing is defined. Pisces is a state of complete union.

Starting with Aries, the first half of the zodiac describes a process of separation. From out of the void comes the spark of life. Like a germinating seed, pushing up through the dark earth, Aries describes the most urgent and explosive phase of our development. Aries is the pioneer who comes from nowhere and creates a new beginning.

The next sign, Taurus, offers a state of rest and enjoyment. Where Aries is volatile, Taurus is steady. The sprout takes root and develops a solid grip upon the earth. The fight for existence has been won and it is now time to live and love life. Taurus is a celebration of being - the dancer of the zodiac. Following the lead of Aries, Taurus is also the builder and the settler. Life is 'filled out' and established. After the initial struggle of Aries, Taurus builds a presence and weightiness.

Gemini marks the need to reach out and explore the immediate environment. The focus shifts from what has been established to what is new. Moving freely toward anything of interest, Gemini surveys the terrain and functions as the networker who opens up new paths of communication.

With Cancer, the loosely connected network of Gemini becomes the tight-knit bonds of the group. The settlements become a town, and the town becomes a community. Cancer creates a protective boundary and establishes a supportive environment. As the protector, Cancer fosters a sense of home and belonging.

Leo represents the drive toward individuality. From amidst the community, there comes a need to stand out, to be distinct. Through remaining true to themselves, the individual develops an original perspective and transcends the group. Having gained support and attention, Leo plays the role of the leader or the entertainer. Leo serves as a focus for all.

The quest for individuality and autonomy culminates in the sign of Virgo. Virgo refines and perfects the unique talent that was discovered in Leo. Virgo is the artisan, whose skills are offered in service to all. With the ability to create and restore order Virgo also serves as the inventor and healer.

In Libra the cycle of the zodiac shifts direction and moves back toward a state of union. Libra restores balance and builds relationships. Independent or opposing forces are married together in harmony. Either the diplomat or the designer Libra brings a peace and beauty into the world.

With the union of the opposites comes the death of the individual. The personal sense of self is defeated by an experience of the greater whole. Scorpio searches for a deeper truth. As the destroyer, Scorpio clears away all that is false.

Having discovered the truth, Sagittarius calls for an expansion of awareness. Sagittarius, the seeker, will journey toward a point of knowledge and wisdom. As the teacher, Sagittarius returns and shares such wisdom with all.

The vision of Sagittarius becomes the ambition of Capricorn. The splendour of heavens asks to be made real on earth. Capricorn seeks the development of civilisation. Building upon what has already been achieved, Capricorn is the organiser who assumes responsibility and works within the interests of all.

Dissatisfied with our current state of being, Aquarius challenges convention and looks toward the future. Through creative thinking, study and research, the visionary Aquarius extends the bounds of consciousness and accelerates the evolutionary process.

Recognising the limits of our awareness, the imagination of Pisces operates in a realm beyond knowing. Sensitive to inspiration, and attuned to the spirit of the times, Pisces serves as a witness to the awakening of life. As the dreamer, mystic, poet and story-teller, Pisces aligns us with the gods and leads the way into the unknown.

With the mysterious depths of Pisces, we have returned to whence we came. And the cycle begins anew.